Job Listings

The candidate will facilitate the development and implementation of Project Agreements/Arrangements (PA) and other IAs, in support of DARPA programs for government-to-government collaboration. Prepare all IA documentation to include: monitor, identify, and analyze international developments, public policy issues and trends, and impact on strategy. Analyze local and regional developments and create reports and communications. Engage in regional and international governance dialogues. Analyze, coordinate, and support visits of foreign delegations. Develop and maintain an international document database. Support the coordination, management, content development, and execution of international outreach event series.

The Engineering Program and Financial Manager will coordinate planning, management, and execution of funding and financial plans for a complex defense manufacturing effort, with a focus on supporting client leadership decision making through detailed analysis, advice, and financial management.  In this role, you should expect to independently engage with client leadership and SPA team members to identify and address program planning and execution needs and independently engage across government and industry stakeholders, utilizing a familiarity with Government financial analysis, program management, and data analysis.  This position is located in West Bethesda, MD, with the potential for light telework.

The candidate will execute progressive responsibility in organizing reports and facilitating virtual collaboration (MS Teams, Zoom, SharePoint, etc.). Provide assistance in tracking contract deliverables and organizing meetings; take notes and meeting minutes. Provide administrative assistance to all members of the technical team, as required.

SPA seeks a passionate and dedicated professional with a demonstrated record of success in dynamic environments to support operations research, military utility assessment, and other quantitative analyses for a range of customers. The candidate will participate in project teams to: Modeling and Simulation,Develop models of complex real-world systems using commercial and proprietary software tools, Design, build, and execute constructive simulations, Analyze and synthesize data sets with various analytic frameworks and statistical methods, Support the preparation of deliverables (presentations, written reports, etc.) to communicate analysis-based findings and recommendations to sponsors and stakeholders, balance tasks across multiple projects concurrently, and regularly communicate progress or challenges to task leads. This role is located onsite at SPA’s headquarters in Alexandria, VA.

Cost Estimating responsibilities include:- Develop and maintain cost estimates for equipment or systems with associated software, support equipment and software, and logistics costs in support of the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) process- Provide cost data to support the development of budgets, Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCE), Total Ownership Costs (TOC), proposed procurement alternatives, Engineering Change Proposals and program/project plans in support of fully developed and approved design and modernization programs- Provide cost engineering support to program offices in support of Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process. Conduct analysis of funding requests, develop independent cost estimates for tasking as needed, synthesize funding requests across the program office for analysis of funding allocations at a total level, and create mandatory funding request documentation such as Task Planning Sheets and Spend Plans- Support the development of Cost Analysis Requirement Documents (CARD) that integrate cost, schedule, technical, and risk requirements into a single document to be used by the program office, and other organizations to perform cost, schedule, and risk analyses- Conduct of Affordability / Should Cost analyses with the intent of driving efficiencies into estimates and program costs, and provide support in developing engineering cost models to allow for Should Cost- Provide Earned Value Management (EVM) cost, schedule, and performance managementMost techniques involve the construction of mathematical models that attempt to describe the system being studied. The use of models enables the analyst to assign values to the different components and clarify the relationships among them. The values can be altered to examine what may happen to the system under different circumstances. 

This position provides joint operational and acquisition planning support to SSP's Transit Protection Program, with particular emphasis on requirements and evaluation criteria.  Planning will include routine collaboration with senior Navy and Coast Guard leadership, assisting in contract management, and researching and developing solutions to program capability gaps.  This position will also lead a high-level team of three or more SPA professionals and will support other cyber and traditional security processes within SPG.  

The Systems Engineer will provide technical and programmatic systems engineering support to the TRIDENT II missile. They will support headquarters level planning, development and execution for a variety of activities including systems integration, system accuracy, system reliability, support equipment design, and systems safety. Travel 6-8 times/year will be required.

We are seeking a Ship's Self Defense System (SSDS) analyst to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Integrated Combat Systems Department (V). You will review concepts, designs, assess specifications/requirements, perform system integration-related tasks, and conduct system verification and support certification activities. You must have the ability to provide senior-level briefings and communications and have the ability to work from NSWC Dahlgren 3-4 days per week on average with significant travel (>50%) to test sites at Wallops Island and NIWC Pacific.    

Your role will be to serve as the AUKUS training and personnel coordinator within the COMSUBFOR AUKUS team.  Specific duties would include: developing process for training and personnel management of RAN trainees going through submarine pipeline training; coordinating with multiple RAN and US organizations to ensure seamless delivery of training; and assisting in personnel policy development for RAN personnel within US program. This position is located in Norfolk, VA with potential for light telework.

Your role will be to serve as the AUKUS foreign disclosure coordinator within the COMSUBFOR ED office.  Specific duties would include: Supplement additional government FDO(s) at CSF; support release of publications, tactical documents, and guidance to Australia; and support RAN trainees/PEPS and fleet-to-fleet engagements. This position islocated in Norfolk, VA with potential for light telework.

The Sentinel Test Enterprise Division is a critical function of the program. Daily responsibilities include supporting the Sentinel Government and Integration Support Contract (ISC) team in the creation, review, and assessment of documents, briefings, and various other tasks in support of Sentinel weapon system testing activities and events. Position will oversee maturation of the Sentinel System Directorate’s Mission Integration Facility (MIF) and the Directorates transition to the MIF. The ideal candidate will be fluent in Microsoft Office programs; ensure accuracy and completeness of content, recommending corrective actions and providing support to programmatic and technical briefings, reports and other related documentation; and be able to facilitate and execute internal and external meetings to support the program and represent Test Division in working groups with government customers and outside agencies.

The candidate will provide Reverse Engineering and Vulnerability Research expertise to help DARPA identify and implement compelling Cyber Offensive & Defensive solutions for the battlefield. Assist with strategic coordination of Cyber and Crypto efforts from the ground-up/field work through implementation. Support technology transition and research management of programs in software program analysis, computer network defense, computer network exploitation, and/or computer network attack. Provide software emulation, software vulnerability research, computer program analysis, and reverse engineering in support of cybersecurity and/or cyberspace operations automation. Lead efforts to implement compelling technologies, both new and evolving solutions, as well as the “pick-up” and integration of known/existing solutions. Support blended system engineering and security researcher teams providing vulnerability research, reverse engineering, custom tool development, testing, integration and operational support and maintenance for the development of Cyber and Crypto solutions. Plan, develop, and execute complex qualitative and quantitative research to meet stringent deadlines under high-stress situations. Support multi-disciplinary mission-oriented cyber operations analysts and developers across multiple organizations for technical solutions for complex challenges requiring coordination of efforts for various DoD and Intelligence clients. Prepare and brief analytic products and technical solutions in support of National Cyber and Cryptologic security issues. Provide significant contributions across a range of technical areas by identifying, analyzing, and developing novel technologies and methodologies for current and new program development. Provide in-depth expertise in the assessments of proposals to determine the technical merit of proposal objectives and methodologies. Develop test plans for assessment of program performers' systems. Contribute significantly across a range of technical areas by identifying and monitoring ongoing cyber threats through open source and internal data analysis. Provide a resource and means of information support for proposals to determine the technical merit of proposal objectives and methodologies.Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

The candidate will support DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO) and provide technical and administrative services, including responsibility for creating technical documents that explain complex ideas to a variety of audiences in a clear and concise manner. Will design, organize, write and edit technical documents, research and document new and emerging biological technologies, and work with BTO leadership and Program Managers to ensure consistency of message across multiple briefs and documents. Examples of work product include responses to inquiries from DoD Components, Congress, and interested stakeholders; PowerPoint slide decks; technical briefs; and program descriptions. Apply ability to analyze documents to maintain continuity of style and content, and manage updates and revisions to a comprehensive electronic library of technical documentation.

The candidate will lead periodic (monthly or bi-weekly) performer assessments to analyze program, technical and schedule risks; develop risk mitigation strategies; communicate findings to program management. Provide technical evaluations and guidance on reports, briefings, and other performer communications. Assess and inform a range of technologies and potential applications: Microbial engineering (metabolic engineering; synthetic biology to develop microbial sense-and-response systems); Host/microbiome interactions; Environmental microbiology; and Geomicrobiology.

The candidate will provide support to DARPA's Strategic Technology Office (STO). Will monitor STO Front Office actions, tracking RFIs and other taskers or suspenses. Will create, edit, and route program documentation. Collaborate with teammates to execute office-wide initiatives, such as office strategy development and program review preparation, as well as independently developing and executing both short- and long-term projects.

The candidate will apply an academic background and operational experience in the development of hybrid electric propulsion systems and implementation in aircraft of varied size in support of DARPAs Tactical Technology Office (TTO). Lead periodic (monthly or bi-weekly) performer assessments to analyze program, technical, and schedule risks; develop risk mitigation strategies; and communicate findings to the Program Manager. Perform technical evaluations and guidance on reports, briefings, and other performer communications. Administer programs, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, as well as supporting technical reviews. Attend and organize program reviews/site visits/field tests. Coordinate performer meetings, assess performer task progress and projected performer outcomes, and ensure that project management best practices are followed both at subject performers, within the independent verification and validation (IV&V) activities funded by DARPA, and within DARPA itself.

The candidate will directly support the Chief Operating Officer of the Test Resource Management Center. Will analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and their ability to meet DoD goals and objectives. Research and prepare draft and/or finished presentations for delivery to leadership and customers. Perform research and analysis to enhance the development of products and services. Conduct analysis, develop reports, and provide assessments of known threats and vulnerabilities. Identify and address critical information gaps, report findings to senior management, and assist with workflow management.

The detail, format and publication of documents will be specified by the Government. Specific activities include, but are not limited to the following:- - Ensure content is presented logically at the proper level of complexity for the intended audience- Structure text and graphics to create consistency in grammar, format and message,- Proofread documents, briefings and technical reports and rewrite / edit in accordance with appropriate specifications, style and branding – strong attention to detail- Review, proof and perform layout of professional, visually appealing material- Interface with contributors and others directly involved in document development both within and outside of the Directorate (e.g., authors, graphic designers, multimedia specialists) and adjust input schedules on the basis of changing requirements to ensure deadlines are met- As required, create graphics and / or coordinate with Enterprise Media Services to illustrate material and effectively convey technical information- Production of printed materials: books, brochures, programs, phone cards, etc.- Event coordination and supportTake, edit, and maintain photographs as directed- - - Take photos of new hires, and update organizational charts as needed- Photography support for events like retirements, promotions, etc.- Photo editing as requiredLarge format printing and display support- - Print posters using large format printers- Mount posters onto foam boards- Update of wall displays in the various offices throughout the Directorate

- Support the MID Front Office in all business functions required to ensure smooth performance of the Directorate’s and Division’s mission and the senior leadership team’s responsibilities.- Develop and provide preparatory briefings, data and information to ensure MID Senior Leadership is properly informed and prepared for participation in NRO and MID senior-level meetings (I.e., PMRs, PSRs, IC Quarterlies).- Provide senior executive level support (e.g., document meeting minutes/action items, create power point presentations, etc) for MID meetings, forums, technical reviews, design reviews, program status reviews, business reviews, all hands, off-sites, protocol events, conferences, etc.- Support Strategic Communications and Messaging to include:- Support Director and Deputy in developing Strategic Messaging and Communications Strategy.- Formulate Executive Level presentations that capture the Directorate’s messaging with tailoring to match specific users, stakeholders and mission partner engagements.- Develop, coordinate and execute a coherent approach to advise and influence the Directorate’s communications program plans to external stakeholders.- Collaborate across the Directorate’s Offices and Divisions to review, provide feedback and shape presentations throughout the Directorate to ensure consistency of message with Leadership vision.- Incorporate (as needed) Multi-Media and Content (i.e., Video, Graphics, Story Boards, Digital Displays, etc) to enhance the Directorate’s Strategic / Communications Messaging.- Support development of a monthly roadmap and annual strategy for MID Senior Leadership engagement based on NRO leadership plans, MID strategic guidance and office goals. Review NRO and Directorate calendars to maintain awareness of enterprise engagement activities and to identify MID Senior Leadership engagement opportunities / needs beyond the monthly roadmap.- Facilitate MID Senior Leadership exchanges within MID and the NRO to ensure application of MID resources and resolve issues.- Draft, review and edit executive correspondence to support initiatives across all divisions within the Directorate.- Synthesize information received from MID entities into a Directorate-Level response to create communications and business documentation. Provide technical review and/or prepare all MID correspondence packages (both internal and external) ensuring consistency, proper classification and relevance of responses.- Develop, maintain and present MID communications and business documentation including: Overview briefings, Year-In-Review, Weekly Activity Reports, bi-weekly Insight publications, all-hands and off-site agendas and briefings; Support Directorate input to the NRO town hall meetings, congressional testimony and similar activities.- Create and maintain SharePoint site content for currency, accuracy and relevance.- Support and help implement Directorate governance policy and processes. Support the preparation of MID’s annual statement of assurance (SOA).  Support MID responsibilities related to NRO strategic decision framework, continuity of operations (COOP), military summits and war gaming exercises.- Manage MID’s Tracking Information and Enterprise Response (TIER) actions. Research, create and draft responses.  Assign, coordinate, consolidate and evaluate lower-level responses to prepare a polished, timely and accurate product to submit.  Maintain historic files of previous responses to inform the updating or crafting of responses to future related TIER actions.  Maintain TIER distribution groups to ensure TIER user groups are up to date and actions are completed in a timely manner.

- Build, maintain and sustain back office tools and application services to support mission needs.- Develop, publish, facilitate implementation, utilize, and uphold a Management Information System (MIS) Support Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) delineating MID policies and procedures for MIS development, operations and maintenance.- Provide MIS application support services to include:- Requirements Management;- User and Stakeholder reviews;- Evaluation and document of current application development and design;- Integration of applications with database tables;- Database administration;- Evaluation and analysis of existing database structures;- Server and database directory services;- Develop and publish code (HTML, Cascading Style Sheets, JavaScript, etc.) to enable user interface and access to SharePoint tools and services;- Develop end-user tools and services utilizing enterprise SharePoint services;- Recommend IT applications architecture and assist in the development of Information Technology (IT) applications roadmaps to support mission and business functions.- Capture, evaluate and document application development and enhancement requirements.